By: IOL Motoring Staff
Oxford, United Kingdom - How do you redesign an iconic car? In the case of the Mini, the short answer is that you don't; you simply evolve the styling and infuse the very latest technology.
Although this is the most significant redesign since the modern retro Mini made waves back in 2001 - Mini says it's all new from the ground up - the new hatch pays more than enough familiarity tax to its predecessors that stretch all the way back to Alec Issigonis’ 1959 original.
The overall look is a gentle evolution of the 2006 design, but glance closer and you'll see that it has a bigger grille that now houses the number plate. Naturally the headlights are still round, but now they're available in full LED - a class-first. Moving to the back end, significantly larger taillights will give it a more aggro pose as it streaks past.
Each subsequent model has been less 'mini' than its predecessor and the new one is no exception, being 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the previous one.
THREE-CYLINDER ENGINES
Beneath the pert bonnet, this British hatch has undergone something of a complete German revolution, with three all-new BMW-derived TwinPower turbo motors offering gains in performance and efficiency.
The big talking point will the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol found in the Cooper. Not only will it entice its occupants with its off-beat three-cylinder hum, but it's gained some gutso with 100kW on tap at 4500rpm and 220Nm from 1250, with a momentary 230Nm available on overboost.
The new Cooper S has the biggest engine ever fitted to a Mini in the form of a 2-litre turbopetrol that pushes 141kW at 4700rpm and 280Nm (300 on overboost) from 1250.
For those wishing to run their Mini on just a few sniffs of a rag, there's the Cooper D, powered by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbodiesel that's good for 85kW at 4000rpm and 270Nm from 1750rpm. According to Mini, this one will sip just 3.5 litres per 100km on the EU test cycle.
Mini claims 0-100km/h sprint times of 9.2 seconds for the Cooper D, 7.9s for the Cooper and 6.8s in the case of the Cooper S.
The three new engines are mated to three brand new gearboxes. Standard fare is a six-speed manual that has a rev-matching feature for downshifts. Those seeking a self-shifter can opt for a redesigned and more efficient six-speed automatic or a six-speed sports automatic that boasts rev-matching and shorter shift times.
Minis have always been known for their go-kart-like agility and the new model aims to take that a step further with its extensively redesigned axles featuring aluminium and high-strength steel components.
For the first time in a Mini, you'll be able to order adaptive dampers, allowing you to choose between a sportier and a more comfortable suspension setting.
BIGGER CABIN WITH MORE TOYS
Now that we're on the subject of comfort, the new Mini's increased size will give its four occupants more space to stretch out inside and, just for you shopaholic divas, the boot size has also grown by 30 percent to a not-too-terrible 211 litres.
As before, occupants gets to stare at a massive circular 'grandfather clock', except that it now solely serves infotainment functions while the speedo moves to the pod above the steering wheel. On standard models, the grandfather clock has a four-line TFT display but tick the options box and you can have an 8.8-inch colour screen along with navigation and a glut of infotainment and Mini Connected services.
The 'Connected' packages include extensive smartphone integration and access to various internet-based services and apps. Opt for 'Connected XL' and you'll find your way around with the Journey Mate function that offers networked navigation with real time traffic info.
Those with budget to stretch will be able to select a long list of driver assistance systems like Head-Up Display, cruise control with distance control, road sign detection, high-beam headlight assistant, rear-view camera and a collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function.
UK buyers will be able to pick up a basic model for £15 300 (R249 000) when it goes on sale there in April 2014. South African prices will be announced closer to the local on-sale date.